College News

Innovative teaching, engaging lecturers and connections with business mean Hull University Business School’s marketing subject group is joint top in the country according to the most recent National Student Survey (NSS). Marketing at Hull scored an impressive 98% overall satisfaction rate among final year undergraduate students studying the course – testament to the quality of the vibrant experience provided by the Business School, from the quality of the teaching to the high level of student support.

The NSS, run by IPSOS MORI, asks final year students to provide feedback about their courses, and Hull was ranked number one in marketing ahead of the 61 universities which took part. The survey results provide valuable information to prospective students when choosing what and where to study, as the feedback comes from students themselves. Finance came joint second out of 58 universities.

Initiatives in the marketing area that have resulted in this outstanding achievement start in the students’ first year with a hands on module, which gets them interacting with real businesses as ‘clients’ providing marketing briefs.

One recent example is an exciting project run in conjunction with Rix Petroleum, one of the UK’s longest established, independent fuel distributors. Rix worked closely with staff at the Business School to develop a marketing assignment for first year students that was closely aligned to the real-world demands of a modern business.

James Brook, Marketing Manager at Rix, said: “I am really pleased that the students felt that their work with us was of such great value and I’d like to emphasise that it also brought benefits to Rix. We are very happy to have played a part in the Business School gaining this recognition and look forward to providing input again in the future.”

Other important elements of the marketing programme at Hull include industry leaders as guest speakers and contributors to the design of the modules; modules on cutting edge techniques in digital marketing and social media; and opportunities to take part in international experiences, live industry projects and placements with organisations including L’Oreal, BMW and GlaxoSmithKline.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing also works closely with the School and encourages students to attend their events and networking opportunities.

Professor Terry Williams, Dean of Hull University Business School, said: “We are delighted to be ranked as top in the country for marketing and joint second for finance in the latest National Student Survey. It validates the hard work we do to ensure our programmes are relevant and stimulating, but most importantly lets us know that our students are happy. Our aim is to prepare our graduates for successful and fulfilling careers by providing courses which reflect the needs of the contemporary business world.”